Best Barefoot Shoe Brands

There is no way to get stronger feet unless you allow your feet to work independently. The only way to do that is to go barefoot, but the next best alternative is wearing barefoot-like shoes, also known as minimalist shoes, which enables you to use your forefoot strike as efficiently as possible when you run.

Remember, your feet can be strengthened at any point in time, that’s why you should take advantage of barefoot shoes, especially if you want to move away from heel strike running and become a forefoot runner.

Vibram FiveFingers

Vibram Five Fingers is the pioneer in the fast-growing category of minimalist shoes, and is one of the most recognizable shoes because of their individual toe sockets, which gives more leverage to your toes so they can do their part in keeping you balanced while providing more surface to spread impact on.

The FiveFingers are a better option to going barefoot because of the paper-thin, completely flat and fully flexible sole that delivers a massive dose of ground-feel, forcing you to rise up on your forefoot when you run, while providing confident landings on uneven, treacherous terrain.

All in all, the ‘toe shoes’ are incredibly multipurpose, being effective for water sports, OCR races, any gym workout, climbing, cycling, pretty much all of the above! You can learn more about the Vibram FiveFingers here!

Vivobarefoot

One of the other biggest names in the minimalist shoe industry is Vivobarefoot which is known for its iconic upscale style for casual to formal wear, but the shoe is also incredibly versatile and is ideally suited for anything up to the marathon race distance!

What makes these shoes so appealing is for one, the wide toe-box, allowing the foot to spread at the metatarsals and toes. For another, the paper-thin, flat sole encourages a natural stride by enhancing a forefoot strike landing.

Even better, because of the super light, feathery feel of the shoe, runners may prefer it for a fast running shoe, but its also a shoe that works for everyone, not just road runners. The shoe performs well for walking, hiking or running on dirt surfaces. Here’s more from Vivobarefoot!

XeroShoes

Xero Shoes is an instant hit in the minimalist community, and you won’t be disappointed either because these shoes get all the minimalist basics right at a budget-friendly price point! Even better that Xero Shoes is backed by a 5,000 mile sole warranty!

Like a true minimalist shoe, XeroShoes are wide and flat, but have a tad more underfoot cushioning than the FiveFingers and Vivobarefoot. However, the extra underfoot protection does not detract from the feel of the ground. The sole is actually very nimble and thin enough to fully feel your forefoot strike, helping keep your forefoot strike in line, while shielding the foot from harm.

XeroShoes also makes athletic sandals that are a fan-favourite because they are nothing but lightweight elements that are fairly evenly matched with the comfort of feeling barefoot. You can check them out here!

Saguaro

If budget is a priority, Saguaro barefoot shoes are very bank-account friendly as most of their shoes are priced well under $100 without skimping on quality.

Saguaro offers a limitless selection on barefoot shoes for running, hiking, swimming and casual every day wear, and none of their shoes do not disappoint because they have all the functional ergonomics your feet need to advance rapidly in sustained health. These shoes are super light, thus you’re carrying less weight on your feet, so you don’t get as tired as quickly, and from that, you’ll go faster and farther!

Better yet, the zero sole easily encourages the barefoot running style without compromising traction, giving you confident strides on a range of terrains.  

Lastly, Saguaro has received high praise from the fashion department because these shoes have vibrant, fun and even more formal styling. 

Merrell

Merrell is another barefoot shoe brand that makes functional footwear full of excellent durability and protective qualities that are also markedly barefoot-worthy!

The Merrell barefoot shoe lineup are excellent for rugged, technical trails, but these are actually well-balanced crossover shoes that’ll take you from the trails to the roads without missing a step.

Despite combining moderate cushioning and stone protection, Merrell barefoot shoes offers plenty of reliable ground feedback to have a corrective effect on enhancing your forefoot running form. Learn more about what Merrell has to offer here!

TSLA Barefoot Shoes

TSLA barefoot running shoes are a literal carbon copy of the Merrell Trail Glove, and one of the best differences are TSLA is WAY more reasonably priced! Other differences include the TSLA is more insulated and better-suited for colder weather.

TSLA is also armed with more durable underfoot protection that exceeds at handling more mileage and faster, harder efforts. Like the Merrell Trail Glove, the TSLA’s upper is also just as vibrantly colourful, and overall fun to wear! So, if you’re on a tight budget, check them out here!